[Michelle]

Software Giant Microsoft has finished the two-year testing period of what is called the biggest upgrade of the Hotmail application since its 1996 launch.

The Windows Live Hotmail was newly interfaced to resemble Microsoft's Outlook. It offers 2 GB storage capacity and announces that it will eventually increase the storage capability. Spam protection was also intensified because of the safety bar located on top of every e-mail message which tells the receiver whether the electrionic message cme from a known, unknown or fraudalent sender. Mobile version was also offered and Windows Live Hotmail was also made available in 36 languages.

Microsoft will first give the existing MSN users the option to continue the use of the software's old version if they do not want an upgrade for now. However, every user will be migrated to the new service eventually. On the other hand, new subscribers will automatically have the new Windows Live Hotmail but will be asked if they opt to use the classic layout which generally looks like the old Hotmail or the new one.

Later this month also, Microsoft will release the free software (which was previously offered for a fee) to link Windows Live Hotmail with Outlook.